An inability or unwillingness to “play the game” of office politics is viewed by some as an issues of values. They are going to succeed because of job performance alone. Some see it as proof of their integrity. They wear their refusal as a badge of honor. It shouldn’t be. Because many promising managers and executives derail sometime during their careers, often because they weren’t very good at office politics.
But these “non-players” couldn’t be more wrong. Because “politics” (really, the dynamic natural tension of human interactions in any environment) is part of the job. Even if it never appears anywhere in a formal job description. A person’s political skills are key to building a successful career—for the good of both themselves and their company.
When a competent employee combines tactical capabilities (they can get things done) with strategic interpersonal competencies (the ability to work effectively with others) then everyone benefits. Conversely, when a promising career falters because of poor political skills, companies have to spend time and money finding a replacement, and performance suffers in the meantime. Read more →